The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced a two-week free mass vaccination campaign against rabies for pets across the six area councils in Abuja.

The exercise was formally launched by the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the FCT Veterinary Clinic in Nyanya. Field vaccination teams are expected to begin operations across the territory from Wednesday.

The campaign comes after the FCTA confirmed eight cases of rabies and two human fatalities in the capital on July 15, leading to increased efforts by the administration to prevent further spread of the disease.

Under the programme, pet owners will receive vaccination services at no cost, with the government providing the service free of charge. The Secretariat has also cautioned veterinary personnel against requesting or collecting money from residents for the vaccinations.

According to the Secretariat, veterinary workers found demanding payments or extorting pet owners will be subjected to disciplinary action.

As part of the campaign, veterinary and animal health officials will conduct vaccination activities in communities, towns, villages and rural settlements throughout Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The FCTA has called on owners of dogs and cats to make the animals available to government veterinary clinics and mobile vaccination teams during the campaign.

The administration stressed that extensive vaccination coverage is essential to strengthening community protection and lowering the risk of rabies transmission.

Source: msmeafricaonline